FRUIT CHARACTERISTICS AND POLLEN FERTILITY OF CITRUS SOMATIC HYBRIDS

Fruit characteristics of four citrus somatic hybrids were observed. Each of the following hybrids showed these particular characteristics: line No. 1 (satsuma mandarin +navel orange), a strong orange flavor; line No. 2 (grapefruit + navel orange), a flavor and texture intermediate between those of the parents; line No. 3 (Murcott+navel orange), a soft and orange-colored flesh; line No. 4 (Yuzu+navel orange), a mild Yuzu flavor. The rinds of the hybrids were thick, similar to that of a tetraploid. They produced fertile pollen grains and viable seeds. When monoembryonic diploid cultivars were cross-pollinated with pollen grains from lines No. 1, 2, and 3, some seeded fruits set; embryo rescued from their undeveloped seeds yielded triploid seedlings. The results demonstrate that these hybrids can be used as breeding material.